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Old 29-04-2011, 05:29 AM posted to rec.gardens
Nad R Nad R is offline
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: Jan 2011
Posts: 410
Default to till or not to till?

Nad R wrote:
Ted Shoemaker wrote:
Hello,

The last time I asked a question on this group, I got some good advice
and some outrageousness. It was all fun. Let's see if we can do that
again.

(I'm not qualified to give much advice on a garden group.)

I've read websites and print articles that say I SHOULD and that I
SHOULDN'T till my garden soil. What do you think?

Here are the particulars:
The area in question is about 5 feet by 40 feet, rich dark soil with
lots of clay, in Zone 6B. I want to plant a wildflower mix (both
annuals and perennials). Until recently, the area was covered with
lawn grass and weeds. I sprayed a supposedly eco-friendly plant-
killer to clear it out. (How can a plant killer be eco-friendly?)

After the recommended waiting period of 7 days, I started to iron-rake
the grass away.

How well should I clear the dead grass & weeds?

I want to clear them out, so that the new flower seeds (yet to be
planted) can sprout. But the more I disrupt the soil, the less
fertile it is. And there's the question of not-quite-dead grass
reviving and getting in the way.

Is this one of those areas where "the jury is still out"? If so, then
I can do anything and there's a chance I'll be right. Or is there
definitely a yes-or-no answer?

Thank you for all answers.

Ted Shoemaker


Not sure unless you tell us the plant killer product name? Does the the
instructions say like wait three weeks before reseeding? By then more
weeds grow

For such a small area, I would have turned the soil by hand with a shovel
and have the grass face down with soil facing upward. The grass will
decompose and help the soil beneath. Some clay is good that helps water
retention. Then plant the seeds.

Good luck, gardening is an experiment.


My mistake, brain dead, I know you stated 7 days so ignore that part. It is
late need more sleep and i need to sign up for an Internet rehab workshop.

The dead grass may have lingering chemicals or some disease that could
effect the other plants so yea remove.

I must make sure I can sleep through the night and early morning so I must
turn off my clock radio and unplug TVs. So I can completely miss the
insanity of the Royal Wedding.... My niece wanted me to record it, too bad,
oh god no, someone help me!

--
Enjoy Life... Nad R (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)